30
79) A synopsis or executive summary is usually less useful in a formal proposal than in other
types of formal reports.
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Difficulty: Moderate
Classification: Conceptual
Learning Outcome: Apply the writing process when writing business proposals
80) The close of a formal proposal emphasizes the benefits that readers will realize from your
solution.
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Difficulty: Moderate
Classification: Conceptual
Learning Outcome: Apply the writing process when writing business proposals
81) List at least three elements normally included in the body of a formal proposal.
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Difficulty: Difficult
Classification: Conceptual
Learning Outcome: Apply the writing process when writing business proposals
31
82) In preparing a formal proposal, how should you determine whether to treat the letter of
transmittal as a positive, negative, or persuasive message?
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Difficulty: Difficult
Classification: Conceptual
Learning Outcome: Apply the writing process when writing business proposals
83) In a formal proposal, how do you determine the organizational approach to use in the letter
of transmittal?
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Difficulty: Difficult
Classification: Conceptual
Learning Outcome: Apply the writing process when writing business proposals
84) In preparing a solicited proposal, how should you handle the RFP?
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Difficulty: Difficult
Classification: Conceptual
Learning Outcome: Apply the writing process when writing business proposals
32
85) One important step in proofreading formal reports and proposals is to
A) go back and use the most impressive words you can find to describe key concepts.
B) proof your visuals thoroughly and make sure they are positioned correctly.
C) ignore topics and focus exclusively on content.
D) simply rely on your software’s spelling and grammar checkers to find any errors.
E) keep in mind that speed is often more important than accuracy.
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Difficulty: Moderate
Classification: Conceptual
Learning Outcome: Apply the writing process when writing business proposals
86) Proofreading reports is different from proofreading other kinds of business messages in that
A) reports usually have more typographical errors.
B) the visual aids in reports don’t usually need proofing.
C) reports often have elements that aren’t included in other business messages.
D) audience expectations are usually lower when it comes to reports.
E) it is difficult to have a third party proofread the work because they are not familiar with the
subject.
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Difficulty: Moderate
Classification: Conceptual
Learning Outcome: Apply the writing process when writing business proposals
33
87) An ideal approach to proofreading a formal report or proposal is to
A) skim it quickly as soon as you finish drafting it, and then send it ASAP.
B) have two people review it—one who is an expert on the topic and one who is not.
C) never rely on anyone other than yourself.
D) rely heavily on spell checkers, grammar checkers, and other software tools.
E) proofread the visuals first.
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Difficulty: Moderate
Classification: Conceptual
Learning Outcome: Apply the writing process when writing business proposals
88) Minor flaws in the final draft of a report
A) generally go unnoticed.
B) are usually caught with software tools.
C) do not have a significant impact on the report.
D) may affect your credibility.
E) may damage your career.
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Difficulty: Moderate
Classification: Conceptual
Learning Outcome: Apply the writing process when writing business proposals
89) When you proofread the text part of a report, you should essentially look for the same types
of mistakes as you would look for in any business message.
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Difficulty: Easy
Classification: Conceptual
Learning Outcome: Apply the writing process when writing business proposals
34
90) Why is it often helpful to enlist the help of two people when proofreading reports and
proposals?
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Difficulty: Moderate
Classification: Conceptual
Learning Outcome: Apply the writing process when writing business proposals
91) Using FedEx or UPS to deliver a formal report or proposal
A) is a waste of money—first-class mail is almost always preferable.
B) is necessary only when sending the document overseas.
C) will, in most cases, make you appear desperate.
D) will be viewed as a careless use of money by the audience.
E) allows you to track the report and ensure that it is delivered on time.
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Difficulty: Moderate
Classification: Conceptual
Learning Outcome: Apply the writing process when writing business proposals
92) For electronic distribution of reports and proposals, you should
A) always send documents as word-processor files, unless the audience requests otherwise.
B) always send documents as PDF files, unless the audience requests otherwise.
C) send the documents multiple times as email attachments, just to make sure they get there.
D) send WordPerfect files, rather than Microsoft Word or PDF.
E) request a notice when the report or proposal is received.
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Difficulty: Moderate
Classification: Conceptual
Learning Outcome: Apply the writing process when writing business proposals
35
93) Sending reports and proposals as PDF files
A) reduces the likelihood of inadvertently spreading macro viruses and other contaminations.
B) increases the chances of inadvertently spreading macro viruses and other contaminations.
C) gives you less control over how the document is displayed on the audience’s computer.
D) is likely to frustrate audiences, since they require expensive software to open.
E) makes it especially difficult to gather comments and other input from reviewers.
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Difficulty: Moderate
Classification: Conceptual
Learning Outcome: Apply the writing process when writing business proposals
94) If your company or client expects you to distribute your report online,
A) make sure that the file is in the right location.
B) deliver hard copies to those who are slow to respond on email.
C) indicate in an email when a response is expected.
D) verify the onscreen display of the report after you’ve sent it.
E) load visuals in a separate file.
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Difficulty: Moderate
Classification: Conceptual
Learning Outcome: Apply the writing process when writing business proposals
36
95) Three weeks ago, you sent a proposal to a client who had asked for information on upgrading
his company’s security system. You’ve heard nothing in response. You should
A) inquire politely as to whether the report arrived and offer to answer any questions regarding
its subject.
B) take it as a sign that the client agrees with what you had to say.
C) assume that the report has not been read.
D) call the client and demand to know why you haven’t received a response yet.
E) call the client’s office, give a fictional reason for calling, and then casually ask about the
report as if you had forgotten about it, as well.
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Difficulty: Difficult
Classification: Application
Learning Outcome: Apply the writing process when writing business proposals
96) Which of the following would be the most effective way to deliver a report that you’ve
prepared for a small group of managers in your local office?
A) Deliver the report to them in person.
B) Ask a coworker to drop off the report.
C) Use interoffice mail to distribute copies of the report.
D) Tell those managers to download the report from your webpage.
E) Save the report in an open-source format on a USB drive and send it via the USPS.
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Difficulty: Moderate
Classification: Synthesis
Learning Outcome: Apply the writing process when writing business proposals
37
97) One advantage in using a PDF file to send a report is the author’s ability to
A) manage group changes.
B) control how the document is displayed on a computer.
C) determine how long the document will be available to the recipients.
D) limit group input and comments.
E) ensure timely delivery.
AACSB: Reflective thinking
Difficulty: Moderate
Classification: Synthesis
Learning Outcome: Apply the writing process when writing business proposals
98) If you are competing with several other firms in the submission of a proposal, one way to
stand out from the competitors is to
A) include strong graphics on the cover.
B) deliver it in person.
C) use a professional delivery service.
D) call later that day to ensure arrival.
E) deliver the proposal over a celebratory lunch.
AACSB: Analytic thinking
Difficulty: Moderate
Classification: Conceptual
Learning Outcome: Apply the writing process when writing business proposals
99) When distributing reports and proposals electronically, why is it preferable to send
documents as PDF files instead of word-processor files?
AACSB: Information technology
Difficulty: Easy
Classification: Synthesis
Learning Outcome: Apply the writing process when writing business proposals
38
100) How does proofreading reports and proposals differ from proofreading other business
messages?
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Difficulty: Moderate
Classification: Conceptual
Learning Outcome: Apply the writing process when writing business proposals